hvac question?

Question

my ac was turned on 1st time this season, started out ok but noticed that very little air was coming out of registers. I looked at unit and saw line set w/ frost on it at entry to cooling coil. I cut ac off.What's wrong with it, low on freon? dirty coil or something else?

ruud, 3ton,16 yrs old

Answer 1

AT 16 years it might be low on Freon. First, though there are some free things you can do/check before calling for service. Especially with the low air flow comment.

- Replace or clean the intake air filter(s).
- Make sure the vents are open (kids sometimes like to fool with these and often leave them closed).
- Make sure the cover is off the outside unit! (Neighbor did that once.)
- Also be sure shrubs or other things that might inhibit airflow around the outside unit are at least three feet away.

If the above is done, then you know adequate air should be flowing over the surface of the coils, both inside and out. Now it is time for that service call if it continues to freeze up.

Answer 2

Mu husband own a HVAC company and when we get calls like yours he goes out and cleans the unit and checks it over completely. You could have dirty coils. You do need to call a company you trust and have your unit serviced and gotten ready for the summer. It is always recommended to have your unit serviced and Tuned before the start of the season to prevent problems when you really need it to work. You should have this done each season-the same with your furnace. It save money in the long run. Consider a maintenance agreement with a reputable company. They save you a lot of money and grief.

Answer 3

It could be both that you touched on, or a dirty filter. Replace the filter and clean the coil. If it still does it, call a pro.